Progress seen in cancer fight

The Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society (TTCS) is committed to providing screening to the people of this country and funds from the Blake concert will be used to purchase a digital mammography unit, said TTCS head Dr Jacqueline Pereira Sabga.

Speaking to hundreds at the packed auditorium of the Blake concert at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Sabga said that the TTCS was dependent on people who give selflessly to supporting the work of the organisation.

“...We need to increase the capabilities of equipment at cancer society what we intend on doing is purchasing a digital mammography unit to help increase the early detection rate of breast cancer.

“No one screening tool is perfect, no one method is the only way, but as we add this machine to our institution, we are confident we will be providing the best there is to offer presently,” she said.

Sabga noted that cancer was as deadly now as it was back in ancient times.

However, she said, the future of cancer is looking ever brighter, as new cutting edge technologies are unfolding.

“Great men and women have travelled the roads that lead to pioneering new technologies, new screening measures to detect this disease earlier, new treatment methods to attempt cure.....but those that have a vision, one that brings together like minded people, passionate about others, passionate about helping, passionate about a country called Trinidad and Tobago, those are heros, those people would be the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, spearheaded by Dr George Laquis,” she said.

Sabga praised Laquis’s efforts saying he is “the epitome of doctor and citizen”.

She said further that there was also the transition from cancer treatment to cancer survivorship, and in recent decades these numbers have increased.

She said the TTCS also aids in this and takes pride “in the transition that is a true privilege, to walk alongside someone as they understand life again is possible!”.

She the TTCS also has Vitas House, a hospice where terminally ill patients are cared for free.

“It is the most powerful and peaceful place I know, staffed with the most caring dedicated people who understand how precious life is and how important it is to die painless and dignified surrounded by love,” said Sabga.